Hemicraniectomy for middle cerebral artery infarction

The space-occupying so-called "malignant" middle cerebral artery infarction is-besides acute basilar artery occlusion-the most devastating form of ischemic stroke. Until recently, there was no proven treatment. In 2007, results from randomized controlled trials provided evidence for the benefit of early hemicraniectomy with respect to mortality after 3 months. This review focuses on current treatment options for malignant ischemic brain infarction, especially hemicraniectomy. Moreover, major unsolved problems and open questions regarding the disease are discussed, and perspective is given on future clinical studies.